Comprehensive review of alginate: Sources, synthesis, and application in the food packaging sector

Abstract

Alginate, a natural biopolymer sourced primarily from seaweed and microbial origins, has garnered increased attention for its adaptability, biodegradability, and sustainability, making it a valuable material for food packaging applications. This review provides an in-depth examination of the current advancements in alginate, including its sources, extraction techniques, synthesis methods, and diverse applications within the food packaging industry. The review will detail various alginate extraction methods, along with modifications, including chemical functionalization and nanotechnology integration. Key applications of alginate, such as films, coatings, blends, and composites, are analyzed, emphasizing their biodegradability, mechanical strength, and barrier properties, which contribute to reducing environmental impact, with details also displayed. Additionally, this review underscores alginate’s potential to transform the food packaging industry into a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, addressing critical environmental challenges. The existing limitations, which create the need for ongoing research and innovation to overcome these barriers and expand the industrial applications of alginate, are also discussed here.